Victoria Osteen is a New York Times bestselling author and co-pastor -- along with her husband, Joel -- of Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas.
In October 1999, following the passing of her father-in-law and Lakewood Church’s founder, John Osteen, Victoria became the co-pastor of Lakewood Church. Under the leadership of Joel and Victoria, Lakewood’s weekly attendance grew from an average of 5,000 to 48,000 today, making Lakewood the largest church in the U.S. according to Forbes, Outreach Magazine, Church Growth Today and the Hartford Institute. In 2003, Lakewood Church acquired the Compaq Center, home of the NBA’s Houston Rockets, and spent the next 18 months renovating the arena at a cost of $105 million. On July 15th, 2005, Lakewood held the first of seven weekly worship services in the new 16,000-seat auditorium and within the year had added 10,000 new members and became both the largest and fastest growing American church.
As co-pastor, Victoria is an integral part of each service at Lakewood as well as a dozen annual Lakewood-sponsored worship events across the U.S. and abroad. As a wife and mother of two children, Victoria is an inspiration and mentor to women everywhere. She is committed to helping women, children and families discover their purpose and reach their highest potential in Christ. Her desire to meet the needs of women led her to found the Women’s Ministry at Lakewood Church with the mission of strengthening and developing the lives of married, single and professional women. In 2006, the Greater Southwest Houston Chamber of Commerce honored Victoria Osteen with a Community Impact Award for her leadership on women’s issues. Victoria’s influence goes well beyond the church walls. She is heard regularly on SiriusXM Radio – Joel Osteen Radio, channel 128 – where she hosts Victoria Osteen Live, a live weekly call in show. She also brings her inspirational message to social media where she encourages and motivates more than 5.4 million followers on Facebook and nearly 2 million on Twitter.
Victoria Osteen’s first book, Love Your Life reached #2 on the New York Times bestseller list in 2008, and was Simon & Schusters largest printing that year. Victoria is also a children’s author, releasing My Happy Heart, a 3-book box set, as well as Unexpected Treasures and Gifts from the Heart, through Little Simon Inspirations.
A life-long Houstonian, Victoria attended the University of Houston while working as a senior buyer in her family's fine jewelry business. In 1986, her life changed when she met Joel. A year and a half later, they were married, and she left her family's business to devote herself to full-time ministry.
Victoria resides in Houston, Texas with her husband, Joel, and their two children. For more information about Victoria, go to www.victoriaosteen.com.
